overlook

Frequently Asked Questions About overlook

How is the word overlook distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of overlook are disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, and slight. While all these words mean "to pass over without giving due attention," overlook suggests disregarding or ignoring through haste or lack of care.

in my rush I overlooked a key example

When would disregard be a good substitute for overlook?

While in some cases nearly identical to overlook, disregard suggests voluntary inattention.

disregarded the wishes of his family

When is it sensible to use forget instead of overlook?

While the synonyms forget and overlook are close in meaning, forget may suggest either a willful ignoring or a failure to impress something on one's mind.

forget what others say

Where would ignore be a reasonable alternative to overlook?

The words ignore and overlook can be used in similar contexts, but ignore implies a failure to regard something obvious.

ignored the snide remark

When is neglect a more appropriate choice than overlook?

The words neglect and overlook are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, neglect implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one's attention.

habitually neglected his studies

When can slight be used instead of overlook?

In some situations, the words slight and overlook are roughly equivalent. However, slight implies contemptuous or disdainful disregarding or omitting.

slighted several major authors in her survey